HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Steve Buckley, who has worked on the Southern Miss football coaching staff for the last two seasons, has decided to step down to pursue other business opportunities.

"I had a chance to go back into private business and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up at this time," said Buckley. "I appreciate the opportunity that the University and Coach Monken have given me and I wish them nothing but success."

Buckley, who was the Assistant Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel this past season, finished his third stint with the Golden Eagles. He was as an offensive graduate assistant from 1987-88 and then the running backs coach from 1989-90 at his alma mater. He later returned from 1997-99 to be the school's running backs coach again.

Buckley also served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the 2012 season.

"While he was here with us, Steve did a tremendous job with our program," said Southern Miss coach Todd Monken. "He was essential in our recruiting efforts when I first got the job and continued to do that for the last year. He will certainly be missed and we wish him nothing but the best."

A national search will begin immediately to find a replacement on the coaching staff.